To celebrate the start of the 2010 NFL regular season, the Baltimore Ravens will host Countdown to Kickoff Week presented by Miller Lite. The week includes events on Wednesday (9/8), Thursday (9/9) and Friday (9/10) that are free and open to the public, culminating with the Ravens’ regular season opener on Monday Night Football at the New Meadowlands Stadium against the New York Jets (9/13).
The week’s activities begin Wednesday (9/8) from 6-8 p.m., when all 38 of the Ravens’ female cheerleaders – all of who were featured in the 2010-11 Cheerleader Swimsuit Calendar – join 98 Rock personalities to sign autographs and mingle with guests at Hightopps Backstage Grille in Timonium.
On Thursday (9/9), the Ravens, Miller Lite and 98 Rock will present the 2010 Kickoff Party from 5-11 p.m. at Power Plant LIVE! The celebration will include a live broadcast of the NFL season opener (Vikings at Saints), cheerleaders, mascots, talent from 98 Rock and a concert featuring Buckcherry (with opening performances by Flyleaf, Sick Puppies and Charm City Devils). Entrance to the concert is free, but space is limited to those 21 or older. In addition to the concert, there will be free giveaways and prizes.
On Friday (9/10), the Ravens will launch the 2010 Purple Fridays festivities with a traveling caravan around Baltimore. Fans are invited to get decked-out in Ravens gear and join the afternoon caravan as it makes stops at various locations around town including M&T Bank (Charles St. & Parkville branches), Verizon (Timonium & Harbor East), Giant (Hunt Valley & Wilkens Ave.), The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and Bill Bateman’s Bistro in Glen Burnie.
Each year during Countdown to Kickoff Week, the Purple Friday celebration continues into the night. This year, the traveling group of Ravens cheerleaders, mascots and staff is scheduled to make stops at the following local bars: Emerald Tavern, McAvoy's, Firehouse Tavern, Casey’s, Angle Inn, Poncabird, Howard’s Pub, Fieldhouse, Patrick’s, Dellis', Della Roses & the Gunpowder Lodge. Each stop will feature Miller Lite specials and Ravens and Miller Lite giveaways.